Russia’s battlefield strategy in Ukraine has plateaued and, if nothing radically changes, Russia cannot expect any significant progress on the battlefield in 2026.

A ceasefire is nowhere in sight. Putin sees no interest in ending his war. Even so, the EU should start preparing for the many post-war challenges Ukraine will face.

Ukraine has systematically removed humans from roles that don’t require human judgment, letting machines absorb the danger soldiers would otherwise face. What UGVs can and can’t do, and what lessons European institutions can draw from Ukraine’s experience.

The Kremlin regards democracies as a direct threat to its survival. Its goal is not just to seize territory, but to conquer minds and undermine the foundations of Europe’s collective identity. How can Europe respond?

Reforming Ukraine’s defence sector is as much a governance challenge as a military one. How could the EU step up alongside NATO, embedding defence within the EU’s institutional frameworks?